srijeda, 8. lipnja 2011.

News and Events by CCRES

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

News and Events

DOE Awards $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting

DOE announced on June 7 nearly $15 million will go toward support of eight new research and development projects that will speed up development of high-efficiency solid-state lighting technologies such as light-emitting (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The selected projects, in Arizona, California, New York, and North Carolina, will leverage an additional $4 million in private sector funding. LEDs and OLEDs, which use an emissive electroluminescent layer of organic compounds, have the potential to be ten times more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 times as long.

The selected research is focused on advancing core technology, developing new products, and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity. For example, Arizona State University Tempe will attempt to demonstrate an efficient, stable white OLED using a single emitter, which will simplify the device structure and in turn reduce costs for the consumer. And, Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLC in California will use high-voltage, low-current LED designs, to simplify driver requirements, improve driver efficiency, and reduce system cost. This is the seventh round of DOE funding for solid-state lighting core technology research and product development, and the second time that DOE has funded solid-state lighting manufacturing projects.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

DOE Offers $27 Million to Reduce Costs of Solar Energy Projects

DOE announced on June 1 the availability of more than $27 million in new funding that will reduce the non-hardware costs of solar energy projects as part of its SunShot Initiative. The funding will support a $12.5 million Rooftop Solar challenge to encourage cities and counties to compete to streamline and digitize permitting processes. Application deadline is August 31 for this program. New funding will also include $15 million for advancing innovations in information technology systems, local zoning and building codes and regulations, and more. Described as removing market barriers, these process improvements and innovations will help increase U.S. competitiveness in the global solar industry. Application deadline is June 23 for this opportunity.

Both funding opportunities focus on reducing "non-hardware balance-of-system" costs, which generally refer to the costs of installing solar systems that are not associated with the solar panels, mounting hardware, electronics, and other hardware. These "soft costs," including the capital required to pay for siting, permitting, and installing a solar energy system, as well as the cost of connecting it to the grid, can represent up to 40% of the total cost of the system. Navigating the differing and expensive administrative processes of various towns, cities, and counties across the nation, and securing financing for projects, are major obstacles for homeowners and developers looking to invest in solar energy. Funded projects will help standardize some processes, cut upfront fees and paperwork, and reduce the overall costs associated with permitting and installation, making it easier and less expensive for homeowners, businesses, and their local communities to deploy solar energy.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

Unleashing Rooftop Solar Energy through More Efficient Government

Across the country, the race is on to drive down the cost of solar energy. And, a new challenge through DOE's SunShot Initiative could help slash the costs even faster. DOE is challenging cities and counties to compete nationwide to cut the red tape that can push up the price tags on solar energy projects.

One of the highest hurdles for would-be investors in residential and small commercial solar energy installations is navigating the differing and expensive administrative processes required to get their solar panels from the drawing board to the rooftop. On June 1, DOE announced a new challenge in which teams of local and regional governments compete for funds to help drive down administrative barriers to residential and small commercial photovoltaic (PV) solar installations by streamlining, standardizing, and digitizing their administrative processes. The Rooftop Solar Challenge will also spur participating cities and states across the nation to enable innovative financing programs to help homeowners and entrepreneurs install solar energy systems on their homes and businesses. Up to 40% of the total cost of a solar energy system is the result of balance-of-system costs, which include the capital required to pay for siting, permitting, and installing a solar energy project and connecting it to the grid.

By challenging local governments to cut their upfront fees and paperwork and to standardize their permitting processes, the challenge will not only reduce the cost to homeowners and businesses of installing solar energy systems, but it will also save money and time for local governments already struggling with tight budgets.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

DOE Offers Conditional Loan Guarantee to Solar Project in Nevada

DOE announced its offer on June 2 of a conditional commitment for a $45.6 million loan guarantee to support a 20-megawatt AC photovoltaic (PV) solar generating facility. The project, sponsored by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Inc., is being supported by DOE with funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It will be developed approximately 25 miles northeast of Las Vegas, and the project's sponsor estimates it will create 250 jobs at peak construction.

The Fotowatio PV solar generating facility will include more than 90,000 polycrystalline silicon modules attached to single-axis horizontal tracker technology that will capture more energy than fixed-tilt PV systems. The project, which will be the second-largest photovoltaic generation facility in Nevada, is expected to avoid over 31,000 tons of carbon pollution annually. The facility is also expected to produce approximately 55,000 megawatt hours annually, enough to power over 4,700 homes. Power from the project will be sold to Nevada Power Company.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

FHA, Fannie Mae Launch Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) announced on May 31 its Green Refinance Plus, a program between HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae to boost energy efficiency in older affordable housing. The program will allow owners of existing affordable rental housing properties to refinance into new mortgages that include funding for energy- and water-saving upgrades, along with other needed property renovations.

Under the program, FHA and Fannie Mae will share the risk on loans to refinance existing rent-restricted projects while permitting owners to borrow additional funds to make energy-saving improvements to their properties. Owners of existing multifamily affordable properties typically refinance their mortgages every 10 to 15 years. In older apartment buildings, however, owners are often hard-pressed to find additional financing to maintain or improve the physical condition of their properties, including making energy-efficient upgrades. Soon, Fannie Mae and its participating lenders will begin accepting applications to refinance owners' debt and improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

The initiative is intended to refinance the expiring mortgages of Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties, and other affordable projects, and to lower annual operating costs by reducing energy consumption. Fannie Mae and HUD anticipate approximately $100 million in initial refinance volume with an average loan amount of $3.5 to $5 million.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

Team Canada Returns to DOE's Solar Decathlon with First Nation Values in Mind

Team Canada in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 is a group that is making its second go at the competition after placing an impressive 6th out of 20 in the 2009 Solar Decathlon. Team members from the University of Calgary's Faculty of Environmental Design, the Schulich School of Engineering, and the Haskayne School of Business, say their competitive edge emerges from an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to design.

Team Canada's house, known as TRTL (Technological Residence that respects Traditional Living), addresses critical housing issues in Alberta's aboriginal communities. The TRTL design includes specific consideration for the context of Alberta's First Nations communities. The 1,000-square-foot home is intended for a young family, with two bedrooms and a large social space for cooking and eating. The home's solar PV panels will result in an annual net-zero energy balance to ease rising energy costs in remote communities. The team used building materials that are extremely durable and highly resistant to mold and fire. In addition to these efficiency considerations, the home's exterior and interior include references to the traditions and values of Treaty 7 Nations throughout Alberta.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

Project CCRES AQUAPONICS

Project CCRES AQUAPONICS Course Overview Whether you are a beginner, a backyard hobbyist, a homesteader or a skilled professional wanting to start a career in Aquaponics this course has something to offer. This course is intended to provide people with the best all inclusive training, hands-on experience and cutting edge methods of Permaculture based Aquaponics available anywhere! Wether you want to grow food for you and your family, a small business or a fully commercial operation this course will be sure to give you the tools, information and experience you will need to be successful in what ever Aquaponic endeavor you are interested in. At a time of global climate change, depletion of resources, pollution of water and huge losses of top soil worldwide, there has never been a more important time to learn about CCRES Aquaponics! 'Imagine a technology that produces healthy organic food, clean water, and renewable energy all at the same time. We call it CCRES AQUAPONICS', says Alexandra Maradin, Vice President of CCRES

PROJECT CCRES SPIRULINA

PROJECT CCRES SPIRULINA 'The ongoing support from the private investment community speaks to how strongly they believe in the development of Green Crude as an alternative fuel resource, especially ability to commercialize it', says Branka Kalle, President of Council CCRES. Few consider seaweeds as a viable source of energy and protein for terrestrial animals (at least until their cost becomes more attractive). Macro-algae have been shown, however, to possess several functional properties, including those of a functional fiber, with immune-stimulating and prebiotic effects. Today, marine algal extracts are used as an additive in pig and poultry diets with promising results. Furthermore, micro-algae have been shown to contain high levels of beneficial lipids that can be used in layer and sow diets as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Finally, both types of algae are used as an active component in clay-based anti-mycotoxin agents. For example, the treatment of clay with a macro-algal extract has been shown to increase the reactive surface of clay up to eight times. Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES) offers several solutions that support the nutritional part of the production system. CCRES solutions combine algae feed additive products with their services, e.g. gut quality scoring, product application systems and customised dosing advice.

PROJECT CCRES ALGAE BIOFUEL

PROJECT CCRES ALGAE BIOFUEL 'Given the right conditions, algae can double its volume overnight. Microalgae are the earth’s most productive plants –– 10 to 15 times more prolific in biomass than the fastest growing land plant exploited for biofuel production. While soy produces some 50 gallons of oil per acre per year; canola, 150 gallons; and palm, 650 gallons, algae can produce up to 15,000 gallons per acre per year. In addition, up to 50 percent (or more) of algae biomass (dry weight) is comprised of oil, whereas oil-palm trees—currently the most efficient large-scale source of feedstock oil to make biofuels—yield approximately 20 percent of their weight in oil', says Zeljko Serdar, President of CCRES

PRISTUPNICA / APLICATION FORM

CCRES offers annual memberships for research institutions, public and private sector organizations, individual associates and students. Memberships are provide access to E-Newletters and invitations to CCRES seminars and other events. Annual Memberships: To become a member, please click JOIN NOW! Additional Benefits: Invitations to CCRES seminars, tours, lunches and other special events. Advance notice of joint-funding opportunities. Access to CCRES facilities. Receipt of E-Newsletter. Recognition and logo presence for CCRES websites. Ability to sponsor additional fellowships, meetings or seminars. A seat on the CCRES Advisory Board. Exclusive invitations to events. Listing on the CCRES webpage and blogs. High-profile inclusion in CCRES marketing materials.

Become an Activist

Join the movement ! Every day, CCRES supporters fight to make environmental education, clean energy solutions, and the green economy a reality. Add your voice to our rapidly expanding network of grassroots activists. Sign up. 'CCRES is a member-based non-profit organization with membership open to research institutions, public and private sector organizations, students, and individuals', says Zeljko Serdar, President & CEO of CCRES

We have discovered that everyone has a talent to give. Tapping into people’s skills and knowledge creates a more meaningful experience for the volunteer and those he or she serves. It can be expertise in a certain field to the ability to make others feel assured, cared for and safe. No matter what the talent or gift a volunteer shares with others, it helps to sustain a culture of relationship-building among many groups, including youth, seniors, businesses and other charitable organizations.

Everyone has a talent and a unique perspective and when shared with those in need, it helps to foster positive effects in their community, creating a new dimension in their own lives and the lives they touch.

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES provides green career seekers with the guidance, motivation, and direction they need to uncover their passions and plug into the green economy quickly and efficiently.

Our resource area, community, and coaching options enable you to:

Make more progress, more quickly with a guide to show you the best way to reach your green career goal.

Save time by knowing what to do next with a time-tested step-by-step plan.

Use your time wisely with organized, updated, online resources available 24/7.

Stay focused and in action with the personal touch of a coach who tracks your progress, keeps you on target, and inspires you to expand your vision.

Discover where your skills and experience fit within the emerging green economy.

Connect with other mid-career professionals who share your values and want to contribute to the emerging green economy.

Exude confidence, clarity, and excitment as you share your golas with your networking contacts and interview for positions.

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)• was founded in 1988 as the non-profit European Association for Renewable Energy that conducts its work independently of political parties, institutions, commercial enterprises and interest groups, • is dedicated to the cause of completely substituting for nuclear and fossil energy through renewable energy, • regards solar energy supply as essential to preserve the natural resources and a prerequisite for a sustainable economy,• acts to change conventional political priorities and common infrastructures in favor of renewable energy, from the local to the international level, • brings together expertise from the fields of politics, economy, science, and culture to promote the entry of solar energy, • provides the opportunity to play a part in the sociocultural movement for renewable energy by joining the association for everyone, • considers full renewable energy supply a momentous and visionary goal - the challenge of the century to humanity.
CCRES Vision and Mission
VISION
To excel as an applied research and development center with an international reputation, focusing on the optimal use of the nation's energy resources for the benefit of its people.
MISSION
As a Center of Renewable Energy Source, we will pursue the Vision by:
Performing sound fundamental and applied research to develop industrially relevant technologies
Collaborating with stakeholders to implement novel technologies
Providing technologies to improve the environment
Contributing to the formulation of technically sound policies related to energy and the environment
Developing the capabilities of our colleagues while fostering a mutually supportive work environment with respect for individuals
Acting in good faith and with integrity in all our dealings to build long lasting relationships with all our stakeholders
Contributing to the teaching and instruction aim of Croatia by educating students from pre-college to postgraduate levels and being involved in labor force development
Collaborating with colleagues to promote CCRES objectives
Promoting objective of developing and benefiting from its Intellectual Property with a balance between the publication of scientific results and patenting
Providing public service in the areas of scientific education and our energy related competencies.

Welcome Volunteers !

Thank you for volunteering for the CROATIAN CENTER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY ( CCRES ) !Volunteers have been the key to the success of the CCRES for the past 20 years and we hope YOU will help make the 2017 CCRES even better!! We are looking for volunteers to help with the our program. (150 volunteers needed).

All ages (adults and students) and skill levels are encouraged to volunteer - students, and student groups are welcome to volunteer for CCRES service and program .

Don't worry - we will send you a reminder once you sign up using the link below.

In addition, each volunteer will attend a refresher course, specific to your assignment, the morning of the event. No worries - you will be well prepared!

In addition to fun and excitement, we will also provide breakfast, a yummy lunch, dinner (if you stick around), and a fabulous CCRES t-shirt! Why wouldn't you sign up???

Making a Donation to the CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER (CCRES)

Without generous private donations the CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES would be unable to continue the valuable work it does in bringing objective information to an often overheated debate.
Making a donation is simple: a cheque payable to CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES can be posted to the following address:
CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Medarska 24,
10 000 ,Zagreb,
CROATIA
or on
CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
BANK ACCOUNT 2484008-1105745975
IBAN HR0324840081105745975
SWIFT RZBHHR2X

RENEWABLE COMMUNITY

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The CCRES Inc. does not and cannot review all communications and materials posted to or created by users accessing the site, and is not in any manner responsible for the content of these communications and materials. You acknowledge that by providing you with the ability to view and distribute user-generated content on the site, The CCRES Inc. is merely acting as a passive conduit for such distribution and is not undertaking any obligation or liability relating to any contents or activities on the site. However, The CCRES Inc. reserves the right to block or remove communications or materials that it determines to be (a) abusive, defamatory, or obscene, (b) fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading, (c) in violation of a copyright, trademark or; other intellectual property right of another or (d) offensive or otherwise unacceptable to The CCRES Inc. in its sole discretion.
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